Veteran Center Bradley Bozeman had a rough year in 2025. He is a tough player and battled to be on the field at all times. Bozeman’s skill set was tailor-made for Greg Roman’s offensive style. Mike McDaniel’s arrival likely means a significant shift in expectations for the position. With a new scheme and Father Time knocking on the door, it is fair to assume that the Chargers will be looking for a new starting center this offseason.<\/p>\n
RELATED: The One Mistake NFL Mock Drafts Keep Getting Wrong About the Chargers<\/a><\/p>\n Tyler Linderbaum Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images<\/p>\n The 2026 free agent class at the center position has two marquee names at the top. The top free agent center is without a doubt Baltimore Ravens center Tyler Linderbaum. The Ravens will likely do everything they can to prevent Linderbaum from hitting free agency.<\/p>\n Linderbaum would easily be the most sought-after interior offensive lineman on the market. PFF\u00a0projects him\u00a0to come in slightly under <\/a>Creed Humphrey’s record-setting extension at four years for $71 million, where Humphrey’s sits at $72 million.<\/p>\n If a bidding war takes place, presumably between at least the Chargers, Ravens and Giants, Linderbaum’s contract could easily surpass Humprey’s and set a new milestone for the position.<\/p>\n The Chargers have to make tough decisions regarding their cap space. They have a large amount of cap space, primarily because they have so few players under contract heading into 2026. Would they be willing to go to the top of the market for Tyler Linderbaum with all the other roster questions on the table?<\/p>\n RELATED: Two Things New DC Chris O\u2019Leary Promises to Bring to Chargers After Jesse Minter<\/a><\/p>\n Chargers ownership has clearly shown the willingness to reset the market at multiple positions before, including center. The Spanos family made Corey Linsley the highest-paid center<\/a> in NFL history back in 2021 with a five-year deal worth $62 million. The Chargers, as a franchise, have signaled they are in a win-now mode and will likely be willing to go to the top of the market for a premier player at a position of need.<\/p>\n 2026 NFL Draft<\/p>\n Tyler Linderbaum may not hit the open market. The Ravens may not want to start over at a key position on the offense with a first-year head coach.<\/p>\n Unlike scarce previous years, the Center class in the upcoming draft is very deep. If the Chargers need to pivot and find a center in the draft, they will have significant options available.<\/p>\n \u2014 Enjoy free coverage of the Chargers from Los Angeles Chargers on SI<\/a> \u2014<\/p>\n Sign Up For the Chargers Daily Digest – OnSI\u2019s Free Los Angeles Chargers Newsletter<\/a><\/p>\n More Los Angeles Chargers News:<\/p>\n Chargers Likely Face Intense Bidding War to Retain Elite Free Agent<\/a><\/p>\n Chargers\u2019 Big Names Should Headline NFL Cut Candidates Before Free Agency<\/a><\/p>\n![\"Baltimore](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/01kgmw6spjga2njr8gq2.jpg\" "\\"Baltimore")
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